F15 X5 40d

[ShyTallKnight]

Hi guys, thinking about moving my Jag on and getting an X5 in 40d flavour. Had a couple of test drives last week and like the way they drive etc. Any current or previous owners care to give me your ownership thoughts..?? Plus what are the must have options. It'll be a used one circa 2016 so I'll need to be a bit flexible on the spec front but currently I'm erring towards Comfort Seats, HK, HUD (MSport plus pack would be nice), pan roof and maybe the 7 seat option. Thanks

[Ralph S3]

I changed from a M235i to a used F15 4.0d X5 last year. Previous to the M235i I had an E46 M3. This is my first SUV after a long line of coupes. I needed the space so I was kind of forced into buying it. But, I'm slightly surprised to admit that I absolutely love it..!!! It's powerful, quiet and you can drive it for hours and arrive as fresh as when you left. I have the following options

HK - wouldn't buy one without this.
HUD - it's fun but I wouldn't be fussed if I didn't have it
Digital Dash - a bit pointless if I'm honest
Pano Roof - I love this. Brightens up an otherwise very dark interior
7 Seats - you either need them or you don't. I did..!!
Soft close doors - Can someone please explain the point of this option. It's nearly £500 and so far as I can see pointless
Adaptive LED headlights - try to get either adaptive xenons or LEDs. They are amazing.

Hope that helps.

Ralph

[ShyTallKnight]

Brilliant Ralph many thanks just the sort of feedback I was looking for.

I'll be coming from an XFR so slightly 'concerned' about the performance aspect but like you've alluded to my daily needs are changing and having something more spacious, frugal and able to cover long distances fully loaded is more important.

I was a bit unsure about the HK but coming from a B&W system in the Jag I think that's a good call as is the Pano roof - I test drove one with the roof and must admit it was very nice.

I must admit I was quite taken with the HUD and Digi dash but they don't seem to be that popular so few and far between.

Again, many thanks

[aeropilot]

Ralph S3 said:

I changed from a M235i to a used F15 4.0d X5 last year. Previous to the M235i I had an E46 M3. This is my first SUV after a long line of coupes. I needed the space so I was kind of forced into buying it. But, I'm slightly surprised to admit that I absolutely love it..!!! It's powerful, quiet and you can drive it for hours and arrive as fresh as when you left.

Echoes my move from a E82 135i to a X5 SE 4.0d 2 years ago, and I also love it, and find it so relaxing to drive.

I specifically didn't want a M-Sport because of the stupid rear tyre size (and their cost) and wanted the same size all-round all-season tyres. Also felt the SE would be less of a thief magnet as well.

I've got the adaptive DHP suspension, which makes a 2+Te SUV stupidly agile, but it's a very rare option to have (mine may well have been the last non-M50d delivered to UK with it fitted as it was dropped as option on non-M50d not long after mine arrived in UK)
HK audio - again, must have in my view as well.
I didn't want Pano roof, as I hate sunroofs (and they have a reputation of being troublesome on X5)
Also no need need of 3rd row seating, so as said you either need it or don't.
Again, as said, the adaptive LED lights are fantastic.
I have the comfort seat option option with Merino leather which is lovely, and prefer the extra adjustment over the M-Sport seats. I also have the winter pack, so heated f+r seats plus heated steering wheel, which is lovely.
Rear parking camera is a must have as minimum, and this wasn't standard fit until after Jan 2017 builds, so make sure it has this or the surround view option.
I didn't want any of the silly electronic gimmicks, so don't have HUD, internet or self parking nonsense etc.,etc.so can't comment on these sort of options.

Oh, and I did a 550 mile round trip in 2 days last week down to Devon/Cornwall for a family funeral, and averaged just over 50mph and 37mpg for the trip and felt as fresh as though I'd done an hours trip to work, despite being an old git with an ailing spine

[squirdan]

I had a 40d and loved it. so much torque and a surprisingly decent noise for a diesel

similar thoughts to others...pano roof, 7 seats useful, M sport spec for resale. mine had the cameras front and back

the drivers seat bolster wears quite quickly - check that out on any car you consider. and the inside edge of tyres can be virtually bald despite loads on the outer more visible part (something to do with geo, speedbumps etc)

2016 I think was the year an updated AV system was introduced with option of Apple Carplay if that floats your boat

only reason I got rid of it was to change for an X5M

[squirdan]

oh yes - avoid comfort access!

[red997]

Had ours for 2 years now (from new)

Its the family wagon
7 seats
Comfort seating option ( multi multi way adjusting seats with memory)
Winter pack (heated wheel & all seats)
adaptive suspension
HUD
Digital Dash
HK
All round camera view
Pana roof
Individual Paint

Got it at circa £12K off list as it had done.......16 miles ! - never left the dealer...

Its also been remapped and is rather rapid...

First service - flew through not even an advisory
Mid 30's on fuel


My only criticism is the steering; its rather light and gives minimal feedback. Better in sport mode.
Oh, and the tyre noise can be a bit intrusive sometimes I find

[ShyTallKnight]

Great feedback guys many thanks.... Got a couple in mind so will see how it goes. Anyone want a Jag lol

[MrMT]

Agreed, i picked up an ex demo towards the end of last year and would highly recommend. Nice driving position, quick when required and reasonably frugal (low 30's with our mainly town driving). Even my wife loves driving it!!

I specifically wanted something with a high spec to keep me interested...

HUD - Really like this
Digital Dash - meh, actually functionality of it reduces if you put more info onto the HUD
Pano roof - must have, its awesome
Comfort Seats - soo many adjustments its impossible to not get comfy
Cold Weather pack - heated seats F&R and have the essential heated steering wheel (love this!!)
Rear camera was standard at this age i think
HK - Sounds good, not the best i've heard but more than sufficient
7 Seats - useful if required
I've the standard Xenons, and actually i think they are fine

I would have liked the surround cameras if you can find one with that option, makes positioning in parking spaces much easier

[aeropilot]

squirdan said:

and the inside edge of tyres can be virtually bald despite loads on the outer more visible part (something to do with geo, speedbumps etc)

Yep, again, as I posted earlier, one of the reasons I didn't go for a M-Sport, as no such issues on a SE with squared setup.

[Electronicpants]

Picked up a new one in October when they were punting them cheep in perpetration for the G05 coming in as a replacement to my S5 and I've got to say I love it.

M Sport plus, so HUD, HK stereo, Digital Dash, Tinted rear windows.
Winter pack - Heated steering wheel is a revelation!
Surround camera - Worth it for the size of the car.
Apple Car play - the fact it appears BMW are the only one's to do Apple's CP wirelessly is a massive bonus.
Comfort Access - So It can be stolen from my drive
21" Wheels - So I can weep at the cost of changing them, and sweat profusely every time I park it, they do look good though.

Got mine in Space Grey which is the most sensible colour ever, hiding the dirt really well compared to my last 3 black cars, with a black leather interior which also hides any mess well, although a bit gloomy on the dark days over the winter, plus I seem to becoming more obsessive about cleaning my car the older I get, so I could have had a less sensible colour combination, but, again, IMO, it does look good.

Mid 30's MPG, and a very nice place to be.

It's ridiculously quick for the size of the thing, and that's coming from the 360 bhp S5, I had it in manual and sport last night for the first time in a while, red lining it a bit, and it made me laugh out loud at how it went.

Finally, I'm not sure if it's the colour, or if the X5 looks similar to the X3/1, or if this is because they are quite popular, but it's proven to be quite an "anonymous" car, even my wife who can spot a neighbour's car from 1/2 a mile away in preparation for her friendly wave says she missed me the few times we have passed each other, which to me is a bonus, as I like a nice car, but don't want a "flash" car, if you know what I mean.

[ShyTallKnight]

Thanks everyone some really useful pointers. I must admit although I really do like the black (drove a black one with the ivory comfort interior last week) which was v.nice I do quite like the steel grey and agree it'll be a damn sight easier to keep clean..!!

[bimjim]

My thoughts, based on the options I had...

• The digital dash is pointless. In fact, a bit naff
• Pano roof - Everyone seems to love these, but I've never been too fussed. Good for resale I guess
• Comfort seats - Yes, a big improvement over the standard sports seats
• Extended nappa leather - Also a lot nicer than the standard stuff, especially when it covers the dash
• HK - This is OK, definitely better than the standard system, so I would want this as a minimum
• LED headlight - Loved these, but the xenons are probably fine too

I'd also echo the comments on the steering - it's too light unless in Sport or Sport+, which then just holds the gears too long for everyday driving. It would be nice if these settings could be customised.

[aeropilot]

bimjim said:

I'd also echo the comments on the steering - it's too light unless in Sport or Sport+, which then just holds the gears too long for everyday driving. It would be nice if these settings could be customised.

They can in some specs.
I can customise mine in I-Drive so Sport is just the chassis (or just the engine/trans) or be set to both combined.

[bimjim]

aeropilot said:

They can in some specs.
I can customise mine in I-Drive so Sport is just the chassis (or just the engine/trans) or be set to both combined.

Good point, but I didn't think the steering could be singled out. I don't have mine anymore, so I can't check.

[aeropilot]

bimjim said:

aeropilot said:

They can in some specs.
I can customise mine in I-Drive so Sport is just the chassis (or just the engine/trans) or be set to both combined.

Good point, but I didn't think the steering could be singled out. I don't have mine anymore, so I can't check.

Aahh......sorry, didn't understand you were just meaning the steering, and no I can't single the steering out. I agree it would be nice to be able to though
It would be nice to be able to single out the engine, without the gearbox as well.

[ShyTallKnight]

So I've whittled it down to two.

Both are still under BMW warranty, are black with ivory leather comfort interiors with HK and HUD and have similar mileages.

The first is at in independent dealer and has the digital cockpit and 7 seats but no Pano roof (only 6 months BMW warranty left mind)

The second is an AUC with the normal dash, 5 seats but has the Pano roof and all the benefits of buying approved used but is 2k dearer.

Think I'm erring towards the latter....

The prices do seem to be all over the place. Found a couple of private examples similar specs to the above but for similar money - madness..!!

[bimjim]

Have you asked about them making the AUC warranty 24 months rather than the standard 12? That might make the decision a little easier.

[ShyTallKnight]

bimjim said:

Have you asked about them making the AUC warranty 24 months rather than the standard 12? That might make the decision a little easier.

No I hadn't thought of that good shout...

[russy01]

It’s a great motor. We have a 2018 carbon black 40d for shipping the kids about... wife uses it daily.

I drive an M4 daily and ultimately I don’t feel too disappointed when I take the family and the dog out in the X5. Plenty of poke and a nice place to be...

Options I like:

HK - is ok.
Surround view - really helps with parking the thing, can check you are between the lines nicely.
HUD - gimmicky, but get used to having it.
Comfort seats - these are great.
7 seats - although the rear ones really are only for kids!

Gave them both a rinse last weekend...